From the Trenches to the Drawing Board: A Day of Transformation at UNL

There is a unique satisfaction in seeing a project through from the first heavy lift to the final design detail. Today at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, I wasn’t just overseeing the transition of a new educational space—I was right in the middle of it.

Sweat Equity: The Heavy Lift

The morning was defined by grit. To clear the path for a new educational team, we had to decommission seven AIS MWall systems. This wasn’t a simple “roll it out” job; it required a full disassembly and a demanding stair carry.

I joined forces with the team from Firefighters on the Move, and I can’t speak highly enough of their performance. Being part of that stair carry myself—moving panels and components down to the straight truck—reinforced the importance of teamwork and precision. When we finally locked the truck for storage, it was more than just cleared floor space; it was the foundation for what comes next.

Agility by Design

With the old systems removed, the space has already begun its next chapter. The client has implemented 30″deep X 72″ wide mobile nesting tables.

In a university environment, flexibility is everything. These tables allow the new educational team to pivot their room configuration in minutes, shifting from a traditional lecture setup to a collaborative “war room” style without breaking a sweat.

The Creative Pivot: Designing the Reception

After a morning of heavy labor, I’m spending this afternoon in the design phase. My focus is now on the university’s new reception area, where the goal is to create an inviting, professional first impression.

I am currently specifying:

• Stance Cassina Seating: Chosen for its architectural elegance and the durability required for high-traffic university hubs.

• Capri Occasional Tables: To provide clean, modern accents that tie the lounge together.

The Indoff Difference

As an Indoff Partner, I believe that high-level design is only as good as the labor that makes it possible. Whether I’m on a stair carry or at my desk designing a floor plan, my mission is to ensure our educational partners have the exact environment they need to succeed.